After Dismantling LeBron James’ Lakers, Nikola Jokic Gets Bestowed With Magic Johnson Honor Leaving the NBA Legend Heavily Impressed
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The Denver Nuggets are finally there. In a night of history-making, the franchise made its first-ever NBA Finals. A horror first half didn’t stop Nikola Jokic from putting on a clinical performance to wipe away LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in mere four games. The Joker surpassed Wilt Chamberlain in this postseason and now awaits a chapter in the NBA Finals. Despite beating the very team he spent a career with, Magic Johnson didn’t hold back his praises.
He commended the Joker for altering the record books and closing out the series with what was a sensational clutch performance by the two-time MVP.
Nikola Jokic receives WCF MVP honors as Magic Johnson sings praises
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Jokic might have failed to win three straight regular-season MVPs, but tonight he received one of his most priced honors – the Western Conference Finals MVP. Getting his hands on his first-ever Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Trophy, he now has the opportunity to add a championship to his already illustrious resume.
Breaking past Wilt Chamberlain’s single playoff triple-double record, Nikola Jokic closed out the Lakers in some style. He made clutch shots, set up his teammates, and in the end glued it all together. He finished the dreamy night with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists, his 8th triple-double in these playoffs.
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“This trophy supposed to go to my teammates and coaches. They put me in this situation. I am just first among the equals,” said Jokic after hoisting the Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Trophy.
"They put me in this situation…I'm just first among the equals."
Nikola Jokic emphasizes the efforts of his @nuggets teammates as he's named Western Conference Finals MVP and presented with the Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Trophy! pic.twitter.com/JF7iq3obdk
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2023
The legend behind the honor himself, Magic lauded Jokic for his outstanding performance in the series-clinching Game 4. After Game 3 he issued an apology to the franchise for underestimating their capabilities. And tonight, he congratulated them for bursting to the Finals stage.
“Congratulations to Nikola Jokic for advancing to the Finals and breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s single-season playoff triple-double record with a 30-point, 14 rebounds, and 13-assist performance tonight!” wrote the five-time NBA champion.
Congratulations to Nikola Jokic for advancing to the Finals and breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s single season playoff triple double record with a 30 point, 14 rebound, and 13 assist performance tonight!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 23, 2023
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Nikola Jokic tore apart the Lakers in all facets of the game. His huge frame helped slow down Anthony Davis who has been a key contributor for the 2020 NBA champions. Apart from taking on the grueling defensive assignments, his offensive contributions proved to be decisive. The Joker averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists in the WCF.
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But he surely isn’t alone. As he himself pointed out, it was a ‘collective’ effort that helped Denver reach its first-ever NBA finals. Without the right cast around, the Denver Nuggets might not have been in this position.
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Their sights will now be set on the grand prize. Jokic and Co will compete to be called ‘champions’. Will it be the Miami Heat or the Boston Celtics who stand in their way? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Edited by:
Aayush Kapoor